McNeese State @ Louisiana State preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 16, 2010 ) McNeese State 10, Louisiana State 32

Even though LSU and McNeese State are located just 129 miles apart, the Louisiana-based schools will be meeting for only the second time Saturday when they square off in Baton Rouge. The 13th-ranked Tigers aim to win their season opener for the 13th straight year while extending their national-best streak to 50 consecutive regular-season victories against non-conference foes.

Earlier this week, LSU named sophomore Brandon Harris as its starting quarterback. “Absolutely, you betcha,” Tigers coach Les Miles said when asked whether Harris would start the season under center. “Unless something immaculate for some reason takes place this week. Right now, it seems like a foregone conclusion.” Harris beat out junior Anthony Jennings, who started 12 games a season ago, although neither enjoyed much success. The Cowboys, a member of the FCS, nearly upset Nebraska in their 2014 season opener.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, SEC Network. LINE: NL

ABOUT MCNEESE STATE (2014: 6-5): The Cowboys had won two straight games against FBS opponents before falling to Nebraska, 31-24, in last year's season opener - a game in which they allowed a 58-yard touchdown pass with 20 seconds left. They return 16 starters this season, including a shifty quarterback in senior Daniel Sams, who rushed for 711 yards in 10 games a season ago. Isaiah Golden, a transfer from Texas A&M, is expected to play a big role on the McNeese State defense this year.

ABOUT LSU (2014: 8-5): The Tigers begin their SEC gauntlet next week at Mississippi State, but first they must take care of a Cowboys squad that they've met only once previously - in October 2010. While quarterback is not a particular strength for LSU, the team is set at running back after Leonard Fournette set a Tigers freshman rushing record with 1,034 yards a year ago. LSU's defense returns starting tackles Christian LaCouture and Davon Godchaux, middle linebacker Kendell Beckwith and safety Jamal Adams.

EXTRA POINTS

1. In Harris' only start last season, he went 3-for-14 for 58 yards, 52 of which came on one throw, in a 41-7 loss to Auburn.

2. Miles is 39-0 in non-conference regular-season games as Tigers coach.

3. LSU lost three of its final four games in 2014, including a 31-28 setback against Notre Dame in the Music City Bowl.

PREDICTION: LSU 49, McNeese State 13